Saturday, March 28, 2009

"The Shack"

I read "The Shack" because of the controversy surrounding it. I wanted to find out for myself what was so good (according to some) and so bad (according to others). Since finishing the book, I went online and read some of the posts concerning the book. Wow! There are certainly many heated discussions with very strong, opposing views out there.

You'll be disappointed if you're looking for an opinion supporting either of the extremes in this blog. I do, however, have multiple opinions about the book. As a writer, I thought the writing was okay, but not excellent. As a woman, I thought it was a good story because the conflict was resolved. I, like most women, want to fix everything and have resolution to circumstances and problems. As a Christian, I was comforted by the personification of personal relationships with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, yet, at the same time, disturbed by the humanistic portrayal of the Holy Trinity.

In summary, I think the book is a very edgy, fictional story about having a relationship with God. Do I recommend this book, think it is life changing, a great novel, etc.? No. Do I not recommend this book, think it is heresy, from Satan, etc.? No. I leave it up to you to read it or not. However, if you do decide to read it, prepare to be affected - either positive or negative.

One final thought. While parts of the book disturbed my personal belief system, I kept thinking "... for whoever is not against us is for us." Thus, in the end, if one soul is won for Christ because it was written and read, then it fulfilled its Christian fiction purpose. If lukewarm Christians find passion because they read it, then it fulfilled its Christian fiction purpose. If strong Christians become more passionate and resolute in their faith because they read it, then it fulfilled its Christian fiction purpose.


Friday, March 20, 2009

The book "Murder By Family"

I met Kent Whitaker at breakfast one morning during the 2008 Christian Writers Guild conference. The table grew quiet when it came time for Kent to introduce himself and talk about the book he was writing. As soon as he began talking, I remembered seeing his story on 48Hours Mystery! Frankly, I was stunned ... not just at the circumstances, but at the way this Godly man presented his story on the show and how he was talking about it at the table.

His book, Murder By Family, is a true story about the murder of his wife, Tricia, and his son, Kevin, orchestrated by his son, Bart. As stated in the subtitle, this book is, "the incredible true story of a son's treachery and a father's forgiveness." I had forgotten about this story until I went back to the conference last month. Kent and his testimony came to mind and I searched for his book. I recommend it for anyone struggling with their faith, feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances, or just in need of inspiration.

I ask myself, "Would I be able to forgive? Would I have this much love?" I hope the answers would be yes, but I honestly don't know. Forgiveness, for what I thought were the "big" things until I heard his story, doesn't come easy for me. I have to constantly stay in the Word and work on it. What about you?

I was already blown away by the way this man handled this terrible tragedy and then I got to the last page ... all his royalties for the book go to a December 10 Fund (managed by the Houston Christian Foundation). Wow! Can you say "true" Christian and role model?

SNOOPY and "It Was a Dark and Stormy Night"

The phrase "it was a dark and stormy night" was originally penned in 1830 by Edward Bulwer-Lytton's novel, Paul Clifford. It has since been used in many books, movies, television shows, and campfire settings, but the most famous use of this line is linked to Charles Schulz and his Snoopy character.

The book captures the essence of writers block, scattered thoughts, and run-on sentences. I can so relate to Snoopy, the writer. Take a moment and enjoy this delightful morsel of extravagance.

I love it! Thank you Shirley.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Twitter

Just when I thought I was finally in touch with my technology side - email, website, a blog, and a Facebook account - along came twitter. At the very basic level, it is a social network with strict limitations on content length, etc.

I was still not sure why I would need it until my friend, Shirley, loaned me the book,

This book explains how twitter works and how to use it as a marketing tool. It even includes a 30-day plan to make the most of twitter.

When I get ready for the leap into twitter, I'll be using this handy guide to maximize its potential.

Books on Creativity

Two books on creativity caught my eye while at the Christian Writers Guild conference a few weeks ago. When I found them on McNair Wilson's recommended reading list, they both came home with me and I finished reading them last week ... thumbs up to both. They were copyrighted more than a decade ago, but their messages are timeless.

Orbiting the Giant Hairball
: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace was written by Gordon Mackenzie, an insider at Hallmark Cards for 30 years. He takes you on a fun-filled journey inside the "giant hairball" 0f a large corporation. Then, he shows you how to break free of the restrictive hairball and bring back the creativity. I'll be recommending this book to everyone I know. In this time of economic turmoil, we all need to maximize our creativity to survive and prosper.

Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art, written by Madeleine L'Engle is a classic for Christian artists. This book takes you on a spiritual walk with your art, regardless of its form - music, painting, sculpting, writing - leading you back to the Creator. I'll be pulling this one off the shelf when I'm struck with procrastination magnified and writing avoidance syndrome.